Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) announced that a (plug-in hybrid) a PHEV Jeep Renegade is heading to Europe in 2020. While it is intended for the European market first, the U.S. version won’t be far behind. Remember: FCA recently announced that they want an electrified (or mostly electric) fleet beginning soon. By 2022, BEV (battery electric vehicles), PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles), full-hybrid and mild-hybrids will be equipped in several models worldwide. Currently, the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV, Ram and Jeep Wranglers with e-Torque mild hybrids are already for sale.
“The FCA Melfi Plant in Italy is beginning preparations to produce the Jeep Renegade Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) scheduled for market launch in early 2020. The Renegade PHEV will be produced alongside the Renegade and 500X full combustion engine products that are currently produced at the Melfi vehicle assembly plan” – – FCA
Other vehicles built on the Renegade platform (Fiat 500L and Fiat 500X among many European-specific models) could see a similar electrification program in the near future. Right now in the United States, FCA has experienced success with their Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in hybrid minivan, the only PHEV minivan currently sold in the United States. They have experience building PHEVs that are priced and packaged appropriately for this country. Expect the PHEV Jeep Renegade to follow suit.
The Jeep Renegade has proven to be a great success, especially for the FCA Melfi Plant in Italy, “With over 742,000 Renegades produced to date in Italy, the Melfi plant and the Renegade are the ideal location and the perfect product to launch the PHEV, further strengthening the offer of this highly successful Jeep”, said Pietro Gorlier, Chief Operating Officer EMEA region.
Speaking of the Jeep Renegade…
Stay tuned for more Jeep stories in the near future. Remember: we have the 2018 SEMA show and the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show happening in the near future!
